I had an opportunity to have a great conversation with a fellow at O’Reilly’s the other day. He was seeking to find a part and was not having much luck. The staff there at O’Reilly’s was doing the best to help him locate either the part or a dealer. Their efforts did not go unnoticed by him. He told me later that it was their concern and willingness to go the extra step that kept him coming back. I have to agree with him. O’Reilly’s has been a big help for me when I have needed parts for my ’49. They do indeed go the extra mile. Reminded me when I was growing up and I went to work. I remember my bosses telling me the customer always comes first. This fellow I was talking to likewise remembers being taught that. But we wonder what has happened to that philosophy through the years? Unfortunately in many places of business, it is not the customer first. In fact there have been times I’ve wondered if the clerks would have just been as happy if I didn’t come in. That way they would not have been bothered!
As our conversation continued he let me know that he was in the tornado that had torn through Yazoo City. He said that he saw two types of people. Those who were only looking out for themselves, seeking to gain whatever they could with no thought for anyone else. Then there were those who came to help. Came and rolled up their sleeves and got to work trying to help make life better for those who had suffered through this tornado. Fortunately that second group of people as well as those folks at O’Reillys have made the best impact on this man.
I reminded him that God always takes care of His own. He has remained faithful, to which he heartily agreed. He told me that in his case the storm – had it come through at night it would have killed him, as the storm took away his bedroom. But as it happened about the noon hour he was in another part of the house and he was spared. He definitely is thankful to God for His care!
What he had talked about got me to thinking. We have all run into good clerks who go out of their way to help and are very courteous. And then we’ve run into the other. And yes it seems that the first group of clerks are harder and harder to come by. I simply ask which group of people would we fit in? I hope the first group but I have to be honest, there are times when it is difficult for me. Maybe I’ve had a bad day, or I’m not feeling very good. I hate to admit it but sometimes how I’ve felt, I know I’ve acted a lot like the second group. I don’t like that! As I serve Christ I need to be like that first group — helpful, courteous, polite, accommodating, etc. This way and only this way can I ever hope to be a magnet to draw people to Christ. Your thoughts?
